John Wildman

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles 2022 announces award winners with Anmol Sidhu’s JAGGI leading the way with two wins

By John Wildman 4 years ago

IFFLA Executive Director Christina Marouda, said, “This year’s edition of the film festival was wonderful in so many ways. The excitement felt by the reunion of so many of our filmmakers, patrons, and film fans back in the theaters was something we all shared. The months and weeks leading to the festival, we weren’t sure whether people would show up after a three-year break from an in-person festival. We were overwhelmed to see everyone coming back, eager to reconnect with the community and the IFFLA family, watch films and celebrate our 20th anniversary. We walk away from this year’s festival feeling energized and filled with gratitude.”

New York International Children’s Film Festival announces 3rd Annual Industry Forum

By John Wildman 4 years ago

“We’re thrilled to see more awareness and intentionality around supporting diverse stories and creators in children’s media,” added Maria-Christina Villaseñor, NYICFF Programming Director. “We want to devise more onramps for emerging creators, share ways to mindfully support their ongoing development and success. With over 25 years of identifying talented filmmakers and partnering with industry producers, platforms, and educators, we’re doing what we can to connect the dots with honest conversation, inspiration, and actionable ideas.”

San Luis Obispo International Film Festival 2022 celebrates its Central Coast filmmakers on the red carpet

By John Wildman 4 years ago

The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival celebrated Central Coast filmmakers before an exclusive screening of Jessica Hester and Derek Schweikart’s COAST. Local music legends PANCHO & THE WIZARDS, DOG PARTY & BLACK MATCH, performed live as part of the big event. Prior to that, the COAST team dominated the red carpet with the filmmakers, cast members, band members and more, joining other filmmakers in the Fremont Theater lobby.

Soren Sorensen’s OMAR SOSA’S 88 WELL-TUNED DRUMS has an energetic world premiere at the USA Film Festival

By John Wildman 4 years ago

The film enjoyed an enthusiastic debut, with the director, subject, and Sosa’s longtime manager (who also appears in the film) Scott Price, all on hand to do press, and talk about the filming process and Sosa’s career following the screening. Sosa’s fans, some of which were newly converted after seeing Sorensen’s film, then crowded the area outside the theater to meet Sosa and get his latest CD and the film’s poster signed by the man himself.

Harlem International Film Festival opens with 3 world premieres and screens at three sites in the city

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Harlem International Film Festival’s Program Director, Nasri Zacharia, said. “We are excited to once again have screenings at the New York Public Library and Columbia University, which both hold wonderful memories for this film festival. At the same time, we look forward to sharing so many wonderful films virtually to introduce our audiences throughout the state of New York to films from around the world. And, of course, we’ll continue our efforts to truly showcase the filmmakers and the setting of our beloved home neighborhoods of Harlem, Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, which we call the HUB.”

Alex Liu’s A SEXPLANATION picked for release by Passion River and FUSE TV gets some sexy time too

By John Wildman 4 years ago

We are thrilled to be able to represent A Sexplanation — a truly important and relevant film that also is truly entertaining,” said Josh Levin, head of Sales and Acquisitions for Passion River Films. “This is the education everyone needs and so few get. In this time of cultural and political division — and its effect on what can be taught in schools — this film is vitally needed… and hella funny.”

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) 2022 announces Closing Gala events and Anurag Kashyap Master Class

By John Wildman 4 years ago

IFFLA Executive Director Christina Marouda, said, “This year’s Closing celebration will be focused on the future of our filmmakers. Emphasizing a commitment to the next generation of filmmakers and the films and television projects they create is essential to what we do – and have always done at this film festival. Ending this year’s edition of IFFLA with a flourish of readings, previews, and performances is exciting and beyond appropriate for where our heart is this year. And to be able to add a master class from a beloved alum, Anurag Kashyap, whose filmmaking journey has been in many ways parallel to IFFLA’s growth could not be more fitting for this year’s landmark celebration.”

Dale Dickey and Michael Showalter honored at San Luis Obispo Intl FF 2022 with King Vidor and Spotlight Awards

By John Wildman 4 years ago

San Luis Obispo Film Festival Director Skye McLennan said, “We have been thrilled to return to the SLO Film Fest we have all known and loved for so long and bring back traditions, beloved favorites within our programming and events that this film festival is known for. The King Vidor Award, the Spotlight Award, Surf Nite, moderated talks with Ben Mankiewicz, Jenelle Riley, and more are the things lovers of cinema on the Central Coast have sorely missed. I can speak for everyone here when I say we are counting each day until SLO Film Fest opens next week!”